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Science to the rescue of heritage

A historical legacy and an ‘irreplaceable source of life and inspiration’, our cultural heritage now constitutes a major part of our history. Discover how a multitude of scientific disciplines have mobilised to conserve and transmit our heritage to future generations.

Longitudinal section on the southern part of Notre-Dame de Paris, before the fire on 15 April 2019
Longitudinal section on the southern part of Notre-Dame de Paris, before the fire on 15 April 2019

© V. Abergel / L. De Luca / MAP / Vassar College / GEA / LIFE 3D / Chantier scientifique Notre-Dame de Paris / Ministère de la Culture / CNRS Images

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Linking fundamental with applied research, the heritage sciences work on a cross-disciplinary basis not only to identify the materials and techniques used by the creators of this heritage, but also to analyse the phenomena that alter or destroy it over time.

The research covers all types of heritage, whether physical, intangible or digital, and encompasses all the areas of intervention of the professionals working to conserve it and explain it to the public.

CNRS Images,

Our work is guided by the way scientists question the world around them and we translate their research into images to help people to understand the world better and to awaken their curiosity and wonderment.